Polyelectrolyte Networks: Elasticity, Swelling, and the Violation of the Flory - Rehner Hypothesis

T. A. Vilgis; J. Wilder

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arXiv · cond-mat/9712280

Polyelectrolyte Networks: Elasticity, Swelling, and the Violation of the Flory - Rehner Hypothesis

T. A. Vilgis·J. Wilder

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Abstract

This paper discusses the elastic behavior of polyelectrolyte networks. The deformation behavior of single polyelectrolyte chains is discussed. It is shown that a strong coupling between interactions and chain elasticity exists. The theory of the complete crosslinked networks shows that the Flory - Rehner - Hypothesis (FRH) does not hold. The modulus contains contributions from the classical rubber elasticity and from the electrostatic interactions. The equilibrium degree of swelling is estimated by the assumption of a $c^{*}$-network.

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T. A. Vilgis, J. Wilder. 1997-12-23. Polyelectrolyte Networks: Elasticity, Swelling, and the Violation of the Flory - Rehner Hypothesis. https://arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/9712280

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